simpson retro
Friday 11th - Sunday 13th September 2026
Harworth, Nottinghamshire, DN11 8JN
A packed weekend of activities
Celebrate the life and legacy of cycling legend Tom Simpson at the annual Simpson Retro, held in the town where he grew up, Harworth, Nottinghamshire.
This unique event combines history, nostalgia, and competitive spirit, offering cycling enthusiasts a memorable weekend.
From 11th to 13th September 2026, part of the wider Tom Simpson Cycling Festival, enjoy engaging talks from ex-pros, vibrant social events, and the ever-popular retro bike ride along the same roads Tom Simpson once trained on.
For the ride, to keep its authenticity, we ask that all bikes ridden are from or in the style of those manufactured before 1995.
Friday 11th september
Join us from 5.30pm for a special live edition of the Cycling Legends Podcast - hear untold stories and personal reflections in an unforgettable conversation with guest speaker Allan Peiper. Hosted by Chris Sidwells and Gary Fairley. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the audience for this exclusive festival highlight.
Following the podcast sit down for a three course meal and social evening. You'll be joined by Chris, Gary, Allan, and another special guest or two.
Full weekend and Friday tickets give you access to these events.
Saturday 12th September
9am - All-day Cycling Market - retro bikes, accessories, clothing, books, food and drink vendors and more
10am - Group Ride - a short, organised experience
12pm - Retro Display - bikes and cars to be announced soon
1pm - Talks from cycling legends - Chris Sidwells interviews and brings together some legends of the sport. A Full Weekend or Saturday ticket is required for this event. Speakers include Theo De Rooij, Steve Joughin, Hugh Porter and Phil Liggett
4.30pm - Grass Track Racing - friendly but competitive junior racing
6pm - Hill Climb up the pit heap - more details to be released soon
7pm - Evening Social - Music, food, drinks and good company - a true community festival
Sunday 13th September
8am - Registration & Market opens - collect your rider pack and enjoy the event village including market stalls, food, drink and music. Check out the amazing bikes on display.
10am - Retro ride start - explore some of the roads Tom Simpson used for his early training rides. Choose between the 63km (39 mile) Chemin de Simpson and the 83km (51 mile) La Grande Classique.
Enjoy the Feed Zone - on the waterfront in West Stockwith, overlooking the river Trent, with complimentary local food and drink.
2.00pm - Best in Show Competition - Sponsored and Judged by Bill Barrowcliff. Judging categories can be seen below.
Best in Show Competition
To take part in Simpson Retro we ask for bikes that are pre-1995, or look to be. Although we allow modern copies of pre-1995 bikes, such as the recent TI-Raleigh team replica, to take part in the Retro Ride, they won’t be considered for any Best in Show awards.
All trophies have been donated by our chief judge, Bill Barrowcliffe, who is part of the DNA of this event.
All bikes entered in the Best in Show competitions must have been ridden in the Retro Ride.
This is open to all pre-1995 bikes, either original or restored. The winner gets to keep a new specially commissioned for 2026 Best in Show perpetual trophy for one year. First, second and third will
be awarded trophies they keep, and fourth to sixth place will receive medals. The top 3 are picked from 6 finalists.
This is open to pre-1995 bikes that are in their original condition, which means original paintwork and components (we realise items such as tyres, brake pads, various drive-train parts wear out and require replacement). The winner receives the perpetual shield and a trophy to keep
This is judged on the best turned out 4 riders from each team who have the same brand of bikes, ideally the same model and year, and are wearing as near as possible identical team kit. First, second and third teams will be awarded trophies, and the 4 members of each team will get medals. Minimum 2 per team.
This is given to the Volunteer of the Year, as decided by the organisers and is given with great gratitude who helps us put this event on each year. We absolutely couldn’t do it without them.
Paul Edmonds helped us every year, along with his wife Jane, but sadly passed away in 2025. We owe it to him to help keep his memory alive.
The Routes
There are two distances to choose from; the 63-kilometre middle-distance (Chemin de Simpson) and the 80-kilometre longer ride (La Grande Classique). They both explore the quiet lanes of North Nottinghamshire, with short dips into North Lincolnshire and South Yorkshire. The routes are mostly flat, with some rolling sections and one short steep(ish) climb early on. The two routes share most of the same roads, with the middle-distance only missing the northern section of the longer route. You can choose which route you ride on the day and see them below. There are a few changes to the routes this year that you can see below.
Included in Full-Weekend, and Sunday Tickets
What's included?
Exclusive Tom Simpson Cycling Festival Musette - filled with a race brochure full of historical stories, and goodies from our sponsors
A Feed Zone (Sunday ride) with complimentary food and drink
Event photography - images without watermark available for purchase after the event
Fully signed route, and free parking
Supports the Tom Simpson Memorial Fund
Entry to the Best in Show Competition
Event Sponsors
Interested in sponsoring the Tom Simpson Cycling Festival? Get in touch via our contact form or email team@cyclinglegends.co.uk
